Local Greenland is receiving the Greenland Tourism Award 2026 for its concrete and sustained efforts to develop nature-based tourism experiences in South Greenland, with respect for local communities, culture, and the areas visitors explore.
In addition to recognition from the Greenlandic tourism industry, Local Greenland will receive a trophy designed by Kristine Spore Kreutzmann, as well as a 10,000-kr travel gift card for Air Greenland.
Local Greenland, owned by Freddy Goske Christensen and Salik Parbst Frederiksen, has in recent years established itself as one of the organizations working purposefully to make South Greenland a stronger year-round destination. Among other things, the company offers camping trips, expeditions, customized tours, and activities in Qaqortoq and Nanortalik. In addition, Local Greenland operates camps at Qassiarsuk and Tasermiut Fjord, where guests can spend several days in nature and experience the landscape, culture, and local community up close.
The most important criteria for receiving the Greenland Tourism Award are that the company develops sustainable products with a focus on safety, quality, the environment, innovation, and social responsibility.
Focus on Sustainability
Local Greenland stands out by systematically integrating sustainability into its core business—not as an add-on. The company has achieved international GSTC certification, which sets requirements for, among other things, environmental considerations, responsible operations, quality, safety, and local engagement. The certification supports Local Greenland’s efforts to develop tourism in a way that balances growth with respect for the local environment.
This local commitment is evident, among other things, in the “We Clean – We Care” initiative, through which Local Greenland organizes community cleanup days in Qaqortoq. The company also organizes excursions for the senior citizens’ association and other activities that bring people together and strengthen the relationship between the tourism industry and the local community. In this way, sustainability is translated into actions that have a tangible impact locally.
Past Award Recipient
The company’s efforts have also been recognized internationally with a 2026 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, which is given to businesses that consistently deliver high-quality experiences and receive strong reviews from guests.
A key element of Local Greenland’s work is the development of multi-day tours. When guests stay longer in the area, greater value is created per visit, and the pressure on the most-visited sites can be better distributed. At the same time, multi-day tourism offers more tranquility, a chance for reflection, and genuine contact with South Greenland’s nature and the local communities that are part of the experience.
In its work with cruise ship guests, Local Greenland has chosen to focus on experiences rooted in local culture and local knowledge. Guests can meet local guides and experience, among other things, drum dancing, kalattuut (Greenlandic polka), coffee parties, and kayaking activities. This ensures that the visit is not just a brief stopover, but an opportunity to generate local revenue, visibility, and engagement for the stakeholders who contribute to these experiences.
The Greenland Tourism Award is presented by Visit Greenland and Air Greenland to recognize and honor the companies that lead the way and set new standards for responsible and authentic tourism in Greenland.
The jury would like to extend its warmest congratulations to Local Greenland on winning the Greenland Tourism Award 2026 and would also like to thank everyone for the many nominations submitted for this year’s award. The strong field of nominees demonstrates that Greenlandic tourism is on the right track when it comes to integrating sustainability, local roots, and responsible development as a natural part of tourism products.
The other nominees
Three companies were shortlisted for the 2026 Greenland Tourism Award: Two Ravens, Local Greenland, and Disko Adventures. Raw Arctic won the award in 2025, while Disko Adventures received the award in 2024.
